Important Notes on Vietnam Visa for Costa Rican Citizens

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Costa Rican citizens need a . The Vietnam e-visa is a convenient option, allowing applications to be completed online without visiting an embassy.

Do Costa Rican citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam?

Passport of Costa Rican citizens (Source: Menafn)

Yes. The Vietnam-Costa Rica visa exemption agreement, signed on July 4, 2012, and effective since April 1, 2016, applies to diplomatic and official passport holders.

Passport category	Visa requirement
Ordinary passport	Required
Diplomatic passport	Visa-free for up to 90 days
Official/service passport	Visa-free for up to 90 days

The exemption also covers eligible diplomatic and consular personnel and their qualifying family members holding valid diplomatic or official passports. 

Can Costa Rican go to Phu Quoc without a Vietnam visa?

Yes. Costa Rican can go to Phu Quoc island without Vietnam visa

• Maximum exemption period: 30 days
• Entry route: Airport, seaport
• Travel outside Phu Quoc: Not available

Which Vietnam visa is suitable for Costa Rican travelers?

Currently, Vietnam does not have an embassy in Costa Rica. Therefore, if you need to obtain a visa, you should apply for an e-visa or a visa on arrival (landing visa) rather than a visa through an embassy.

Vietnam e-visa

• Validity: Up to 90 days
• Eligible purpose of entries: Tourism, business, work, visit relatives
• Processing time: 3-5 working days
• Entries: Single or multiple entry
• Government fee: $25 for single entry or $50 for multiple entry
• Application portal: Vietnam National Electronic Visa System

Related blog post: Vietnam E-visa: The Ultimate Guide

Vietnam visa on arrival (VOA)

Costa Rican can get Vietnam visa on arrival (Source: collected)

Visa on arrival allows eligible Costa Rican travelers to obtain a Vietnam visa at an authorized international airport after receiving an approval letter before departure. It can be an alternative to the e-visa for travelers who meet the applicable conditions.

• Validity: Depends on the approved visa type
• Entry options: Airports only
• Processing time: Depends on the approval service selected
• Requirements: A valid passport, a pre-approved visa approval letter, sponsor letter
• Arrival procedure: Present the approval letter and pay the applicable visa stamping fee at the designated airport

Related blog post: Urgent Vietnam Visa Fees & Processing Times 2026

Vietnam urgent visa service for Costa Rica people

Costa Ricans can request an urgent visa service if they need to travel immediately and do not have enough time to wait for standard processing. Please refer to the service price list from UrgentVisaToVietnam.

Processing time	New single-entry Vietnam e-visa	New multiple-entry Vietnam e-visa	Expedited pending Vietnam e-visa
Weekend/ holiday	$185	$210	$185
15-30 mins - last-minute (business day)	$295	$320	$295
1 business HOUR	$185	$210	$175
2 business HOUR	$155	$180	$145
4 business HOUR	$102	$129	$75
1 working DAY	$92	$119	$65
2 working DAYS	$72	$99	$45
3 working DAYS	$62	$89	$35
4-5 working DAYS	$52	$79	x

Important travel advice for Costa Rican Citizens

Before traveling to Vietnam, keep these points in mind:

• Passport validity: Check that your passport meets Vietnam's current entry requirements and remains valid for your planned trip.
• Entry checkpoints: Use an international checkpoint authorized to accept e-visa and visa on arrival
• Visa validity: Your permitted stay cannot exceed the dates and conditions stated on your visa.
• Transit requirements: If your itinerary includes another country, check whether you need a separate transit visa.
• Application timing: Allow sufficient time for processing and possible requests for corrections.

What should Costa Rican travelers expect at Vietnam immigration and customs?

When arriving in Vietnam, Costa Rican travelers may be asked to present travel documents and answer questions about their visit. Customs officers may also inspect luggage and check items brought into the country.

• Passport and visa: Present a valid passport and, where required, a valid Vietnam visa or e-visa. Keep your return or onward ticket and accommodation details available in case officers ask for them.
• Purpose of visit: Be prepared to explain whether you are visiting for tourism, business, or another purpose, and provide supporting documents if requested.
• Pre-arrival declaration: Check whether you need to complete Vietnam’s online pre-arrival information declaration before your flight. If applicable, keep the confirmation QR code accessible.
• Cash declaration: Declare cash if you carry more than US$5,000 (or the equivalent in foreign currency) or more than VND 15 million, in accordance with Vietnam’s customs regulations.
• Restricted or taxable goods: Customs may inspect your luggage for prohibited items, restricted goods, or items exceeding duty-free allowances. Declare goods when required.
• Medication: Carry prescription medication in its original packaging where possible, along with a copy of your prescription. Check Vietnam’s rules before bringing controlled or specially regulated medicines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Costa Rican citizens enter Vietnam without a visa?

Ordinary passport holders generally need a visa. The bilateral exemption provides visa-free entry for eligible diplomatic and official passport holders for up to 90 days.

Can Costa Rican citizens apply for a Vietnam e-visa online?

Yes. Foreign nationals can apply through the official Vietnam e-visa website, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.

How long can a Vietnam e-visa remain valid?

A Vietnam e-visa can be issued for up to 90 days, with either single or multiple entry.

How much does a Vietnam e-visa cost?

The official government fee is $25 for a single-entry e-visa or $50 for a multiple-entry e-visa. These fees do not include any optional assistance service charges.

When should Costa Rican citizens apply?

It is best to apply well in advance, verify the current processing guidance on the official portal, and wait for visa approval before relying on the visa for travel.